Some Highlights: Sales of existing homes reached the highest annual pace in over 9 years at 5.29 million. Inventory remains below the 6-month norm and prices are still on the rise. Interest rates are at a historic low of 3.48%. www.NYREEX.com

Yesterday, we reported that according to CoreLogic’s latest Equity Report, nearly 268,000 homeowners regained equity and are no longer underwater on their mortgage in the first quarter. Homes with negative equity have decreased by 21.5% year-over-year. A study by Fannie Mae suggests that many homeowners are not aware of how their equity position has changed as their home has increased in value. For example, their study showed that 23% of Americans still believe their home is in a negative equity position when, in actuality, CoreLogic’s report shows that only 8% of homes are in that position. The study also…

A survey by Ipsos found that the American public is still somewhat confused about what is actually necessary to qualify for a home mortgage loan in today’s housing market. The study pointed out two major misconceptions that we want to address today. 1. Down Payment The survey revealed that consumers overestimate the down payment funds needed to qualify for a home loan. According to the report, 36% think a 20% down payment is always required. In actuality, there are many loans written with a down payment of 3% or less. Many renters may actually be able to enter the…

Some Highlights: 2015 marks the first year-over-year increase in investment home sales since 2011. 62% of all investment homes purchased were single family homes. The South saw the highest percentage of investment home sales (39%) with the West coming in second (28%). www.NYREEX.com

Home values continue to climb and are projected to increase by about 5% over the next twelve months. That is great news for anyone who owns a home. However, it could present a challenge for a family trying to sell their house. If prices are surging, it is difficult for appraisers to find adequate, comparable sales (similar houses in the neighborhood that closed recently) to defend the sales price when performing the appraisal for the bank. The National Association of Realtors (NAR) recently released information revealing just how prominent the challenge is in today’s market. And the challenge is…

The housing market is really heating up and buyer demand is dramatically increasing as we enter the spring season. However, one challenge to the current market is a major shortage of inventory. Below are a few comments made in the last month by industry experts. Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist of NAR “Looking ahead, the key for sustained momentum and more sales than last spring is a continuous stream of new listings quickly replacing what’s being scooped up by a growing pool of buyers. Without adequate supply, sales will likely plateau.” Jonathan Smoke, Chief Economist of Realtor.com “Low inventories and tight…

In the latest Rent vs. Buy Report from Trulia, they explained that homeownership remains cheaper than renting with a traditional 30-year fixed rate mortgage in the 100 largest metro areas in the United States. The updated numbers actually show that the range is an average of 5% less expensive in Orange County (CA) all the way up to 46% in Houston (TX), and 36% Nationwide! Other interesting findings in the report include: Interest rates have remained low and even though home prices have appreciated around the country, they haven’t greatly outpaced rental appreciation. Some markets may tip in favor of…

There are some renters that have not yet purchased a home because they are uncomfortable taking on the obligation of a mortgage. Everyone should realize that, unless you are living with your parents rent free, you are paying a mortgage – either your mortgage or your landlord’s. As The Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University explains: “Households must consume housing whether they own or rent. Not even accounting for more favorable tax treatment of owning, homeowners pay debt service to pay down their own principal while households that rent pay down the principal of a landlord plus a rate…

Some Highlights: § Harvard University’s Joint Center of Housing Studies recently released the top financial & emotional reasons to own a home. § Owning is a good way to build up wealth that can be passed along to your family as it is usually a form of “forced savings.” § You’re paying for a house whether you own or rent, but owning gives you control over your living space.